I used to have very little upper body strength. Soccer team conditioning practices found me struggling to lift the lightest weights. I can’t say I liked being the weakest person on the team, but I accepted it. I allowed my lack of strength at that time to become a part of my identity — it defined me.

How we define ourselves is important because it influences how we live our lives. When I defined myself as not strong, the idea of getting stronger seemed impossible. Because I didn’t feel strong, I tried to avoid anything that required strength. I remained weak for years.

This story is uncomfortable to share, but I share it because I know that many of you have similar stories. Maybe you too have allowed your current lack of strength to define you. Or maybe you have let your weight, diabetes, joint pain, etc. define you. These things are real and impact how you live your life, but they aren’t you—or at least they don’t have to be. 

If you are defining yourself by an undesirable condition because it is familiar, I encourage you to reevaluate the situation. You may find that simply changing the way you perceive yourself will help you make choices that improve your body and your life. 

Thanks for reading. I hope you have a safe and healthy week.